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Belgian Shepherd

Belgischer Schäferhund

The Belgian Shepherd is a large breed of dog which has been bred in Belgium in four different varieties since the 19th century. The FCI manages the Chien de Berger Belge in group 1. Originally, the Belgian Shepherd Dog was used as a working dog, especially by shepherds for herding their herds.

Characteristics of the Belgian Shepherd Dog

The life expectancy of the Belgian Shepherd is between 10 and 14 years. According to breed standards, bitches should reach a height at withers of 58 cm and males should be about 62 cm tall. A tolerance of minus two and plus four centimetres is permitted.

The weight of female Belgian shepherd dogs moves between 20 and 25 kilograms, while males weighing between 25 and 35 kilograms can be much heavier.

The physique of the Belgian shepherd dog is well proportioned. It has a well developed musculature and an elegant appearance, which differs quite clearly from the German Shepherd. He carries his head very high, so that it almost forms a 90-degree angle to the back.

The Belgian Shepherd is bred in four different variants:

  • Groenendael (long-haired, coat color black)
  • Laekenois (rough haired in coat colours tan, black and tan, mahogany, deer, red sable and fawn sable)
  • Malinois (short-haired in the colours Falb with black mask, Loh and Mahagonifarben)
  • Tervueren (long-haired, fur-colors dun, red-brown and black cloudy)

The four variants of the Belgian shepherd dog differ clearly on the basis of their fur. However, the remaining characteristics like its physique are identical. A crossing between the different types is not desired and is permitted by breeding associations only in exceptional cases.

Belgian Shepherd Dog Character

Belgian Shepherd Character

The Belgian Shepherd is an active dog, which is characterized by a fearless nature and occasionally appears somewhat impulsive. This does not mean, however, that he tends to be aggressive.

Strangers he usually meets suspiciously, from time to time even a little jealous. With appropriate education these character traits of the Belgian Shepherd are no problem.

Owners of a Belgian Shepherd dog should have sufficient experience and be able to train the sensitive four-legged friends with the right mixture of consistency and empathy. If this is successful, Belgian shepherd dogs will prove to be faithful and reliable companions.

Activities with the Belgian Shepherd Dog

Originally used as a herding dog, the Belgian Shepherd Dog proves to be an excellent working dog, which is suitable for many applications. It is a popular service dog for police and customs, but is also ideal as a rescue or guard dog.

Its suitability as a family dog depends above all on the extent to which its owners know how to educate it and whether they are able to satisfy the breed's high urge to move. For a balanced being the Belgian Shepherd dog should always be physically and mentally fully utilised.

His urge to move predestines him for numerous dog sports in which he can play his strengths to the full.

For the Belgian Shepherd, for example, the following sports are possible:

  • Agility
  • Disc dogging

Belgian Shepherd Dog Diseases

Belgian shepherd dogs tend to develop epilepsy, although not all variants of the breed are equally affected.

In addition, there is an increased risk of the following diseases of the musculoskeletal system:

Belgian Shepherd Dog Food

For an optimal supply of nutrients, the Belgian Shepherd needs a special food, which should be as free as possible from artificial additives and other unsuitable ingredients.

In order to prevent complaints with the musculoskeletal system, the development of overweight must also be avoided. When rationing the food it is therefore important to consider the needs of the dog. This is influenced by various factors such as weight, age and sporting activities.

Particularly in view of the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia, we also recommend regular supplements with Bellfor Gelenke & Knochen (Joints & Bones).

The Bellfor nutrition concept supports the healthy development of your Belgian shepherd dog from an early age.

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